Graffiti problem begs public attention
Jason Smith
I live in the North Huntington Beach area and have for 39 years. I
can’t believe how much “tagging” and other forms of graffiti I’ve
been seeing in the neighborhood lately. It’s out of control! The
areas I’m referring to are: Warner to Talbert Avenue and Springdale
to Graham Street and the flood control access that runs to the beach.
The damage I’ve seen has been done to utility boxes, street light and
telephone poles, street signs, brick walls and the Graham Street
bridge, including the walls of the pedestrian access stairs northeast
of the canal.
The city workers are doing the best they can. Every time I call
and enter a complaint, the graffiti is down within days, but
unfortunately it is sometimes replaced by fresh vandalism. The
Community Policing liaison officers who have been specifically
patrolling the area based upon complaints have been identifying
possible vandals and/or making arrests, but they, too, are
overwhelmed and can’t be everywhere at once.
So, parents or guardians, know the whereabouts of your kids at all
times of the day and night and what they might be doing outside of
your presence. (Keeping track of them in this day and age is not just
about them being a victim of a kidnapping, getting robbed, running
away or being involved in a fight, but sadly might include the
possibility of them engaging in unlawful activity themselves). Not to
stereotype, but usually a “tagger” can be described (based upon my
experience as a police officer of 11 years) as a juvenile who might
have social problems and wants some type of attention. They might
have artistic talent, but no educational or professional direction,
and may have prior problems with authority. They may use tagging as a
means of political expression or retaliation, and/or may be a person
merely wanting to randomly vandalize property.
If you suspect your kid of such mischievous behavior, check out
his/her bedroom for unusual amounts of artwork not related to school
or a specific moniker repeatedly written on notebooks, furniture or
walls. Look for large numbers or specific types of pens/markers,
spray cans, stick deodorant not being used for personal hygiene,
etching tools or tubes of paint in their backpacks or pockets.
Monitor the style of clothing they are wearing that you did not buy
for them (or labels you’re not familiar with). Lastly, look for U.S.
Post Office packing labels or “Hello My Name is” or personal letter
stickers with artwork/moniker on them, as that is a sure sign of
someone involved in tagging.
Graffiti eventually destroys a neighborhood and brings down its
value -- not just monetarily, but visually and physically. I don’t
know about you, but I’d like to continue to enjoy life here in
Huntington Beach and the cleanliness I’ve been accustomed to. Please
report any incidences or activities related to tagging to the police,
no matter how minor.
* JASON SMITH is a Huntington Beach resident. To contribute to
“Sounding Off” e-mail us at hbindependent@latimes.com or fax us at
(714) 966-4667.
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